Markets

From inflation worries to volatility spikes to the artificial intelligence (AI) buildout, investors keep leaning on tech. Earnings influence is becoming harder to ignore.

After the Federal Reserve held rates steady for a third time at its April meeting, Chair Jerome Powell confirmed that he will stay on as a governor after his term ends in May.

Despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty and a naval blockade in the Middle East, global equities have staged a rapid recovery, bolstered in the U.S. by durable earnings fundamentals in tech and beyond.

Beneath broad market caution, pockets of resilience across emerging markets could be worth a closer look. Growing dispersion and stronger fundamentals may favor a more selective approach to the asset class.

As defense budgets grow, debt concerns may limit how far and fast the spend goes. But with record amounts proposed and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the sector is poised to build on its boom.

We recap how an energy-driven inflation shock and shifting Federal Reserve policy expectations impacted portfolios in March, as well as what April could bring.

Inflation fears are back, but the go-to strategy can add oil and input-cost exposure. Utilities and healthcare may frame a quieter defense.

When a new Federal Reserve chair is nominated by the president, they must be confirmed by the Senate before taking office. Here’s how that works, plus its impact on markets, policy signals and more.